Man charged in stabbing in Crozer emergency room

UPLAND — A 39-year-old Chester man is being held on $1 million cash bail for allegedly stabbing his stepfather inside the emergency room at Crozer-Chester Medical Center Wednesday night.

John D. Hood, 39, was tackled by hospital security and handcuffed after he allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed his stepfather in the head, arm and upper torso. Witnesses told police Hood had become angry with the victim when he was told to quiet down and let his sick mother rest, according to the affidavit of probable cause written by Officer John Bogan.

“Yeah, I did it,” Hood allegedly said in front of numerous ER personnel.

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The incident occurred at about 10:40 p.m., about an hour after Hood’s stepfather drove his wife to the ER because she was feeling ill. While the woman was waiting for treatment in one of the rooms, Hood walked in and began causing a disturbance, the affidavit states.

Hood’s stepfather told him to quiet down and stop bothering his mother. This allegedly angered Hood, who became very agitated, witnesses told police.

Hood’s mother said the next thing she knew, Hood said to his stepfather, “Wait a minute, I got something for you,” then bent over and took something from his black leather coat, the affidavit states.

Hood allegedly pulled a knife out of the coat and began stabbing his stepfather. Hood’s mother told police her son had her husband pinned in the corner as he repeatedly stabbed him, according to the court document.

The victim later told police he had tried to fight off the attack, but was overpowered.

Hospital security officers subdued Hood, who was handcuffed and on the bloody floor when police arrived. The knife used in the attack was recovered.

The victim, who was stabbed multiple times in the neck, head and shoulder, was treated for his injuries and later spoke with police.

The attack was witnessed by numerous hospital employees.

Police had Hood checked out at the hospital’s crisis unit. He was later turned over to police when judged competent by a hospital psychologist.

Hood, of the 1000 block of Potter Street, is a convicted felon who has served state jail time for prior convictions, which include aggravated assault and terroristic threats. He was arraigned on charges including aggravated assault, terroristic threats, possessing instruments of crime and related offenses. Magisterial District Judge C. Walter McCray set bail at $1 million cash. Hood is being held at Delaware County prison.